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MSU guard Gabe Jackson selected by Raiders

Michael Bonner, The Clarion-Ledger 12:26 a.m. CDT May 10, 2014

Mississippi State offensive lineman Gabe Jackson is congratulated on the phone after being selected by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the NFL draft. Photo by Kevin Warren(Photo: The Clarion-Ledger)

The Oakland Raiders drafted Mississippi State's All-American guard with the 81st overall pick in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft Friday.

"I always wanted to play in the NFL," said Jackson, who was projected to be drafted in Rounds 2 or 3. "All the work I did for a lot of years paid off."

At 6-foot-3, 336 pounds, Jackson should bring a steadying presence to the Raiders. He started all 52 of his career games at MSU, blossoming into a dependable anchor for the Bulldogs during his four years in Starkville.

Jackson won't "wow" anyone with his athleticism, but he possess the top-end fundamentals and physicality that should provide long-term stability along a Raiders offensive line that ranked in the lower half of the NFL in sacks allowed last season.

"(The Raiders are getting a player who) won't get in any trouble or have any off-the-field issues," Jackson said. "I'll come to work every day."

The Liberty native and Amite County High graduate became the first offensive lineman to win the Conerly Trophy last year (the award is given annually to the top college football player in Mississippi). He also received the inaugural Kent Hull Trophy (best O-lineman in the state) after anchoring an MSU offensive line that ranked in the top half of the Southeastern Conference in sacks allowed.

"He's NFL-ready right now," NFLDraftScout and CBS Sports draft analyst Dan Brugler said Wednesday. "(He) should be able to contribute from Day 1 as a rookie."

Original story

MSU OG Jackson nears lifelong dream of playing in NFL

STARKVILLE —Gabe Jackson's career follows a weekly calendar.

Fridays highlighted his high school career in Liberty. In Starkville at Mississippi State, the guard showcased his talents on Saturday. This weekend, a new destination will be determined with games on a new day — Sunday.

The realization of a dream developed more than a decade ago could be realized tonight as the NFL begins the first round of this year's draft.

"Oh man, it's a great feeling," Jackson said. "From when I was small, my dad asked me, 'What are you going to be when you grow up?' A professional football player. I'm going to play in the NFL."

Most experts project the 6-foot-4, 335-pounder as a second- or third-round pick. When talking with the future NFL player, Jackson hopes that a team could select him at the end of the first round tonight.

"I don't know where I'm going to end up at," Jackson said. "It all depends on who wants me, and I just leave it like that. I just stay focused and not listen to (the rumors)."

Jackson has spoken with all 32 NFL teams at some point. He's been involved in formal interviews with about 20. Of those, he's visited with six teams. Jackson declined to comment on the specifics at the request of those teams.

"It's just hard to poke holes in his game," said Dane Brugler, draft analyst for NFLDraftScout and CBS Sports. "The résumé is outstanding with 52 straight starts at left guard in the SEC, two time All-American. He's NFL-ready right now and show be able to contribute from Day 1 as a rookie."

"The guy is a technique guru. I've watched him over and over," Clayborn said. "What sets him apart from everybody else is he doesn't make mistakes."

MSU coach Dan Mullen disagreed with the sophomore lineman to an extent. The sixth-year coach grades players differently. But Jackson's desire to improve every day stood out separated him.

"What I loved about him is he was a hard worker," Mullen said. "Even though he was a guy, like this year he was a returning all-conference player and really an All-American type player ... (he) came to work every day."

• Dallas: The Cowboys are the only team that publicly showed interested in Jackson. The former MSU lineman visited five other teams.

Best fits for Jackson

• Dallas: The Cowboys' most glaring needs are on defense, but they've been linked to Jackson more than any team.

• Miami: The Dolphins allowed a league-worse 58 sacks last season. Due to the Richie Incognito/Jonathan Martin incident, they need to rebuild the line from scratch.

• New York Jets: New York owns the second round pick before Miami. The Jets' offensive line allowed 47 sacks last season. They need to protect new investment Michael Vick.

• Denver: The Broncos need help inside at guard. They also own a late second round pick (No. 63). Denver may not find a better value that late.

The word on Jackson

• Jackson is a considered a top-level run-blocker who relies on technique over athleticism. "I'm not sure he has Pro Bowls in his future. But he should be a long-term starter, making him likely a second round pick," said Dane Brugler, CBSSports.com draft analyst.